Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

River Romances #1

The River Queen: A Christian Historical Romance

Rate this book
River pirates, a stolen steamboat, and a deadly chase down the Mississippi—but falling in love might be the real adventure.

When river pirates attack and steal his steamboat, Emmett Carter barely escapes. Rescued and transported to a magnificent world of glitz and showbiz aboard a flashy showboat, Emmett is immediately captivated by something more than recovering his lost inheritance— The River Queen ’s beautiful, but quirky, songbird.

Anola Flynn, the star singer on The River Queen , is struggling to keep the business running as attendance dwindles during the 1923 season. With her dreams of saving the family legacy—and the only life she’s ever known—slipping away, she forges an alliance with Emmett to keep her family afloat.

Now, to outsmart the gangsters chasing them, Anola and Emmett must wade through a dark current of deception and betrayal to save not only their dreams, but everyone they care about, from sinking deeper into the Mississippi River.

339 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2023

24 people are currently reading
148 people want to read

About the author

Stephenia H. McGee

30 books801 followers
Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
61 (58%)
4 stars
30 (28%)
3 stars
11 (10%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Carolyn Bryant.
917 reviews79 followers
September 9, 2023
The River Queen launches the River Romances series in a big way as it takes us on an exciting chase down the Mississippi! This touching, entertaining story is a perfect blend of adventure, mystery, romance, and faith. I was immersed in this unique story from beginning to end. The authentic 1920s Mississippi riverboat setting is captivating. The wonderfully diverse cast of characters includes a lovable, quirky heroine who stole my heart from the get-go! The fast moving plot with its twists and turns kept me reading expectantly. I appreciate the faith thread that is so naturally woven into the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Crystal Caudill.
Author 8 books537 followers
July 16, 2023
River pirates, gangsters, smugglers, and an unforgettable, vivacious heroine all set in the roaring twenties--this story has it all. McGee pens a unique and swashbuckling tale that submerses readers into the showboat world of a strong family of faith and the fish-out-of-water hero who brings trouble aboard. Readers looking for mystery, intrigue, adventure, and romance will not want to miss this entertaining read.
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,536 reviews144 followers
October 7, 2023
What a delightful trip down the Mississippi on a showboat-The River Queen!
I was transported back to the 1920s, a time when entertainment came to the towns along the river. From the stunning cover to the beautiful ending, it was a story that captured my imagination. The plot was informative and interesting, telling about a unique life on a riverboat.
The Flynn family was quirky, full of faith and endearing as they welcome Emmett Carter aboard after pirates steal his vessel. When Emmett joins the crew, he is fascinated by Anola Flynn and her gypsy like costumes and independent demeanor. Anola is fiercely loyal to her family and she, in turn, is interested in Emmett.
Lots of mysteries to solve and Emmett needs to prove himself to the Flynns while relying on God to guide him.
Heartwarming and suspenseful, this story will keep you on your toes and satisfy your love of history.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
799 reviews372 followers
September 22, 2023
River pirates and showboats, what else could you want? Oh romance? Well don't worry this book has all three. Showboats have always fascinated me, so I love how this story was set on one. Emmett Carter has run into some bad luck with river pirates stealing his steamboat. He then finds himself on a showboat and meets Anola Flynn who is a singer on the showboat. Anola and Emmett are such fun characters. I especially loved Anola, she's got spunk and is so brave. I loved how much trust she has in God. I loved the entire family dynamic of the Flynns. This is a fast-paced story full of romance, mystery, adventure, and Christian message, I definitely recommend
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for PhyllisRBooks.
322 reviews45 followers
November 3, 2023
Showboats and adventure-No spoilers…

The River Queen is a great beginning to a new series! Stephenia McGee always hits the ground running as her story grabs the reader’s attention from page one. In her easy-to-read writing style, she builds a believable 1920s setting amidst a backdrop of mystery and bad guys.

I absolutely loved these characters! The Flynn family is a close knit river family of three generations who enjoy being together and working together. Each member plays their part in what makes life work on The River Queen.

A flamboyant heroine, Anola is a third generation adventurer that doesn’t bow to the limitations of being a woman. Enter Emmet Carter, an accountant leading a life of checks and balances- trying to figure out what his brother has done while realizing he is enjoying the adventure and the Flynn’s sense of family. Anola has enough spunk for both of them…She pushes him out of his comfort zone and encourages him to be a better man.

I can’t wait for book 2!

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book514 followers
October 22, 2023
“God’s timing puts us in the places He intended us to be.”

As a young teenager, I spent a few days on a houseboat with nine other members of my family and quickly decided that life on a boat was not for me. BUT… that feeling doesn’t carry over to reading about river boats and/or showboats and the people who call them home. On the contrary, I find it fascinating to follow their stories and the adventures they encounter. Something about the magic of a showboat beckons me to hang out for a while … just so long as my real-life feet stay grounded firmly on land haha!

“Welcome, welcome,
To The River Queen,
Where every moment is but a dream.”

I was enchanted by Anola and her delightfully eccentric family from the moment she stepped to the railing and began her welcome song. For The River Queen truly is a family affair. She lives and works there with her quirky grandparents (an endearing captain who isn’t really a captain and a dramatic Lady who really isn’t of the peerage) and her parents who are only slightly less unconventional. I adored this foursome – and Anola – and I know I was grinning anytime they were on the page. They are people you’d want to befriend, people you’d trust with your life, and people you’d shake your head about fondly. And Anola is all of their best personality facets rolled into a fabulous mix of drama and sunshine and a big heart. I’m smiling just thinking about her and their family banter.

“What’s not to love about this lot?”

Emmett Carter is more of a conventional sort, an accountant, a person who rarely takes risks. Yet he finds himself thrown into the Mississippi River where he emerges, dripping wet, onto The River Queen where in a whirlwind of unexpected events he’s shoved firmly out of his comfort zone. I loved watching his ‘fish-in-the-water’ adjustments to life on a showboat, and I especially loved watching him fall in love with Anola. This sentence in particular had me all kinds of grinning and swooning:

"And just like that, he knew he’d be spending the rest of his life on a boat."

Ahhhhh!!! I’m always absolutely besotted when the hero falls in love to his own surprise, quickly and completely, no looking back. Emmett and Anola may at first glance seem like an unlikely pair but the more time you spend with them the more you easily see how perfect they are for one another. He keeps her grounded (sort-of lol) and she keeps his eyes on God. I adored this exchange between them:

"Emmett peeked at her from the corner of his eye, finding her peaceful face smiling again. “Do you have a Bible verse for everything?” Apparently even thoughts he hadn’t voiced?

She beamed, either not noticing or not caring about his disgruntled tone. “I hope so. That’s what they are there for, after all.”"

The suspense plot involving Emmett’s brother and all manner of nefarious people kicked the tension up a notch, yes, but also gave us more insight into Emmett’s character that we might not have known otherwise. It took some intriguing turns, and while the main thread is wrapped up in this book, the door still feels open for some of the loose threads to be revisited in future stories.

Bottom Line: River pirates. Smuggling. Showboats. The Roaring 20s. Romance. All of these adventures and more await you on board The River Queen by Stephenia H. McGee! The delightful characters leave your heart lighter for time spent with them, and Anola is going on my list of ‘adorable heroines’ post haste! Emmett is a man of integrity with a brother who unfortunately is not, and these layered nuances to his story made me embrace him as Anola’s perfect match even more. Their romance is sweet and swoony, and the two of them together made me smile! Loved the epilogue and the promise of what’s to come. Another fabulous and engaging read by this author!

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for BrendaLee .
430 reviews17 followers
September 27, 2023
This author has done it again! What a great book! I loved that the River Boat was on the Mighty Mississippi. I have been over the Mississippi River many times. The characters were amazing and you would think that the heroine would be all fluff because she sings on a show boat but she wasn’t. I loved Emmett and Anola’s story. So many adventures. A little mystery, intrigue, romance and pirates too? It certainly was not boring. As always this author doesn’t forget to put some inspiration into the book. I loved that Anola and her family had faith in God and that’s what always sees them through the hard times. This author is one of my very favorites and as usual I couldn’t wait to read her new book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher but was not required to write a positive review.
Profile Image for Hope Elias.
237 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2025
A historical christian romance about a thespian irish family? What's not to love?

I listened to this on Hoopla. I started it for my Mississippi book for the 50 books challenge but after about 2 1/2 hours I realized that they were on the Mississippi river but not yet in Mississippi. so i stopped listening to it and picked a different book by the same author that was guaranteed to happen in Mississippi. good thing too cuz i dont think this book happened in Mississippi 😆 im not the BEST with geography and definitely couldve missed that detail in listening but i'm fairly certain they zoomed right past Mississippi in the showboat.

Challenge stuff aside, i really did love this book. it felt a TAD too expository a bit towards the latter half but it didnt ruin my enjoyment. and i hope someone turns this into a tv short series someday. i think itd be great on film!
Profile Image for Abby.
Author 60 books13 followers
September 12, 2023
This book has it all: intrigue, action and love. The River Queen has become my favorite Stephenia McGee book, it was so good that I couldn’t put it down. Loved every word and every chapter. And of course I loved Anola 💕 beautifully written.
Profile Image for Sydney.
1,090 reviews132 followers
October 19, 2023
A charming show boat, pirates, gangsters, smugglers, intrigue, adventure, old mystery, and romance all in the roaring 20’s, Stephenia H. McGee has written a delightful story along the Mississippi that readers will absolutely adore. Readers who enjoy old musicals such as Show Boat, will especially love this fabulous story. Another excellent story with well developed characters, a well-written and engaging storyline, and plenty of excitement and sweet romance. Readers will not want to miss this loveable story!

Series: River Romances
Genre: historical, romance
Publisher: The Vine Press
Publication date: October 10, 2023
Number of pages: 352

Other books in the series:
2-Moonlight on the Mississippi (coming May 2024)

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Paty.
406 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2023
Oh my God! What an incredible story, so unique and genuine, and what endearing and loveable characters I encountered in this journey!
Anola Flynn has always known life on a river showboat. She is the lead singer of The River Queen, the family’s showboat -and legacy- that continually travels along the Mississippi River to offer their show to different cities and towns along the river. Unfortunately, this last season has been a struggle to get as many people attending as before. What can she do to save her family’s legacy and the life she’s known all her life?
Emmett Carter has decided -mostly pressed- to join his brother Jacob in a new adventure investing their family inheritance on a steamboat. But before he can really enjoy their new possession, the boat is attacked by river pirates and he is thrown overboard. Left with nothing else but his wet and dirty clothes, he is rescued and accepted by the Flynn family who happen to be anchored right next to where he emerges in the water. Aboard the boat, he is accepted as a workhand while he reports his stolen boat and tries to reach out to his brother, who seems to have a dark plan related with the purchase of the boat.
What he doesn’t expect is to be captivated by The River Queen’s song bird: beautiful, read-headed, strongminded and quirky Anola.
When this new adventure turns into something dangerous, Emmett is afraid to bring his brother’s troubles to this family he’s quickly growing so fond of, and the woman he is desperately falling in love with. How can he keep them safe and help Anola and his family to save their family’s legacy from disappearing?
Oh wow! As I said, this was a fantastic story with everything -really everything- I love in a book present: lovable and relatable main and secondary characters, sweet and clean romance, danger and adventure, mystery and suspense, family drama and laugh out loud scenes and characters! The plot is so unique and with unexpected twists. The setting of the river boat, the shows, the family and crew was so exciting and newfangled!
Anola and Emmett were my favorites. Well, and Anola’s parents and grandparents as well! A quirky, loving family. I loved that they all had each other backs, and they were fierce about protecting the family and the boat. Anola’s personality was so endearing: I loved her optimist and straightforwardness, her courageousness in defending her family and Emmett. She was sunshine to Emmett! And Emmett was a swoony hero! I loved that he was flawed and not perfect, that he made mistakes, but had his heart in the perfect place and always wanted to make things the right way, even if it costed him where his brother was involved. His sweet devotion to Anola was so endearing! I loved how she quickly won Emmett’s heart in spite of her peculiar yet charming ways. She was totally genuine! And I also loved the faith inspired message about trusting God in the midst of the most difficult circumstances, and how she helped Emmett’s faith grow by quoting Bible verses that threw light to what they were experiencing!
All in all, a fantastic historical romance that kept me glued to the pages from page one until the end. I highly recommend it to anyone! You’ll be won over by this adorable family and delighted by their adventures!
I received a complimentary copy from the author but wasn’t required a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Mark.
2,505 reviews52 followers
September 11, 2023
I saw a couple people remark "what a fun read!", in regards to this book. And after reading it myself, I 100% agree. What an awesome and fun read. I have read some of the author's other books, and enjoyed them....but this one was different from her usual, and the best so far. In my not so humble opinion.

First the cast of characters: Emmett enters the picture first, having been tossed in the Mississippi River by boat pirates. Victim of his brother's ill conceived and illegal activities, he doesn't always make the best choices throughout the book as he tries to protect the Flynn family.

Anola makes a great heroine, the star of the shows her family puts on throughout the year on their showboat, The River Queen. She makes a great partner, in more than one way, for Emmett.

The Flynn family: In addition to Anola, there are her parents, and her grandparents. They are a close family, and cause for a lot of humor and family drama.

This book is set in the early 20's, and most of the story happens on the boat and on the Mississippi River. There are bad guys, so there is a lot of suspense and drama, especially as Emmett tries to get out of his brother's schemes without causing injury or death to the woman he loves and her family.

It truly is a fun read. The author obviously did a lot of research on the area, time period, and showboats during that time period. And the result is an entertaining, exciting, suspenseful and romantic read with a definite and obvious faith element. Emmett admits to himself at one point that he has been slacking off in the faith department, but realizes he has been praying a lot over the situations he he faces, and that he needs to step it up in the faith department if he is going to marry Anola and be the head of the household.

I enjoyed the book. A lot. I read 60 some percent of the book and had to go to bed, but very reluctantly. I finished it the next day as soon as I was able to pick it up. The author definitely hit it out of the ball park on this one. It is a book she can be very proud of. Quality Christian fiction at its best.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Michelle .
1,106 reviews35 followers
October 2, 2023
1. How did you feel about the setting?

I firmly believe that The River Queen in 1923, down the Mississippi, provided an exceptional backdrop for this book, considering the scarcity of stories centered around showboats that I have come across.

2. What do potential readers need to know most about the main character?

Emmett Carter bravely swam to The River Queen amidst a treacherous pirate attack that had seized his vessel.

3. Which supporting character caught your interest the most?

Anola Flynn confidently portrayed an actress on The River Queen, displaying a curious fondness for Emmett when he unexpectedly arrived on her water vessel, drenched from head to toe.

4. What journey do(es) the main character(s) take?

Emmett cunningly outwitted the river pirates, swiftly escaping their clutches as he boarded The River Queen.

5. Is there humor in the book?

Yes! “Oh my stars and sunrise, but this man is wound tighter than a coil spring.

6. (for Christian fiction) Are there spiritual truths to be gleaned from the story?

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

7. For whom would you recommend this book?

If you’re a fan of Christian historical fiction, you definitely don’t want to miss out on The River Queen. It will transport you to a different time and place. Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the pages of this novel. Don’t wait any longer—grab a copy and start your adventure today!

8. Why did you give it the star rating you did?

I confidently rate The River Queen 4 out of 5 stars, as the writing style did not align with my personal preferences.

9. Is the title memorable and/or emotion-grabbing?

Certainly! My fondness for everything related to water, history, and steamboats shines through in this tale.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author. This in no way affects my review. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Terri.
903 reviews
September 11, 2023
The River Queen is the beginning of a new series, River Romances. With this book, we are taken back to the 1920s with a family that make their living and live their life on the river in a boat called The River Queen. The Flynn family have spent their lives on the water and stopping along ports sharing their talents with the towns folk. As the country is changing so is the desire to come see a show on a riverboat.

Emmett Carter is an accountant. Why he let his brother talk him into taking a boat filled with cargo down the Mississippi River he can not figure out. Now he finds himself in a mess and it seems his only option is to go with this family downriver to try to get what is left of his inheritance and to save his brother from whatever mess he has gotten himself into. The added bonus is the beautiful Anola Flynn. He can't seem to stay away from her and Lord help him he may give up his life on land for this river queen.

This book has humor, budding love, mystery, and danger. The characters are great and the plot keeps you guessing as to what will happen next and who can be trusted. There are funny moments and nail-biting ones as well. I could picture Anola in her costumes and see her red hair flying. Emmett is portrayed as more the book nerd than the hero but he surprises us with his intelligence and nerve. The family is wonderful and funny and full of life. Just a great story.


I received an early copy of this book to read and my opinions are my own. I really enjoyed it and recommend this book.
Profile Image for Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective).
1,436 reviews87 followers
October 10, 2023
Pirates. Showboats. Family. Mystery. So many things to draw your interest in The River Queen. To my knowledge, I have not read a book with a showboat in it before, or at least not anytime in the past few months (my mind can sometimes fail me ha!). It was so intriguing to me and I enjoyed learning more about it. Side note – you can tell McGee does her research. There’s a ton of history tucked in the pages of this book.

I think what I liked most about this book was the pacing. I know that seems odd, but it was great. There wasn’t a dull moment, but it wasn’t overwhelming fast either. You got to know the important characters pretty quick, and there wasn’t too many of them. The romance was spot on – and oh that first kiss. Perfect placement and had me giddy. The mystery was great too – had me on the edge of my seat seeing everything unravel. It’s all a testament to how well McGee writes. Plus when you have Anola and Emmett as your lead characters, it basically doesn’t get any better than that.

Here’s the bottom line – historical romance fans will adore this book for it’s romance. Historical mystery fans will turn the pages as fast as they can to see it all play out. Historical fiction fans will love all the history McGee has included in the novel. Basically, if you like to read you will like this book. Ha! So take my recommendation and go get your copy today.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Melissa’s Bookshelf.
2,545 reviews177 followers
October 11, 2023
River pirates, showboats, romance, a talented heroine & a reluctant hero! An exciting start to a new series. Set in the Roaring 20’s on the Mississippi River, Emmett Carter never imagined his ship would be stolen by river pirates & he’d be left to swim for his life. Rescued by an endearing, quirky Showboat family, he’s immediately drawn to Anola Flynn, the star singer. Anola’s outgoing, forthright, bold, & faithful. She encourages the reserved accountant to go out of his comfort zone. When Emmett discovers his inheritance is stolen & his brother has been dealing with shady gangsters, he & Anola forge an alliance to save her family’s business while running for their lives.

This was a fun ride! I love stories that throw you into a whole new world. The action & romance kept me turning the pages as well as the inspirational faith that glued this delightful family together. Anola is such an endearing character. I loved her often hilarious Irish family too. The showboat atmosphere was a lot of fun & I loved the rich history behind the story.

Full of sweet romance, humor, faith, and plenty of action, highly recommend to historical romance & Christian historical fiction fans! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are completely my own and voluntarily provided.

2,043 reviews
October 19, 2023
The River Queen was a delightful and unique look at the changing of people's entertainment during the 1920's. The story takes place on the Mississippi River and mostly on The River Queen showboat owned by the Flynn family. Unfortunately, the show is not making it financially, and Anola Flynn wants to find a way to save her family's legacy.

Emmett Carter is also on the Mississippi River, or in it when we first meet him. His steamboat and all the cargo on it were stolen by river pirates. When he goes looking for help and to report the crime, he finds himself swept up onto the showboat. He is also truly mesmerized by the star of the show, Anola.

This begins a grand adventure between these two. They also realized that while Emmett is searching for answers, they could help one another. A quid pro quo situation. This was a fun story with a mystery thread, danger, and true love kisses all taking place on the Mississippi River. The atmosphere was lively and memorable of a time long gone. Anola and Emmett's banter and their miscommunication and wrong perceptions was some of my favorite moments.

I purchased a copy of this novel for my own reading enjoyment. My views and opinions are my own.

http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/202...
Profile Image for Pearl Pridham .
67 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2024
The River Queen plunges readers into the scenario of American rivers a hundred years ago, when travelling theatres on luxurious boats brought entertainment to cities and towns along their routes. It sounds so fun!

The story features pirates, smuggling, and amusing and dastardly characters of all sorts. Marijuana, then called muggles, was starting to come to the States from Mexico.

Stephenia McGee keeps it light, amusing, and mysterious, with romance in the forefront. Click here to view my comments on other books by her: https://pearladapridham.com/?s=Stephe...

I read The River Queen as an E-book, but I must admit I much prefer paperbacks. To hold a book in my hands, smell the paper, and look again and again at the beautiful cover really contributes to my enjoyment.

Or, download the E-book and read from your cell phone whenever you have a few minutes of down time. Though it may not be as satisfying, it’s definitely more convenient. Personally, I find it not as easy to keep track of characters that way. With a paperback in hand, it’s easy to flip back to where they first came on the scene and refresh your memory. Pros and cons…

I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did.
Profile Image for April.
401 reviews21 followers
September 26, 2023
What a unique setting for the start to a new series. River pirates, a show boat, and the Mississippi River. Add to that the cast of unique characters and you have the recipe for a good story!

I enjoyed getting to know Anola and her family and watching her relationship with Emmett grow.

As we learned more about the pirates and Emmett’s brother I could tell there was more than met the eye but was not prepared for how deep the secrets went and how crafty the bad guys were.

I also enjoyed watching the relationship between Anola and Emmett develop into friendship and possibly more.

Ultimately my favorite part about this book was the message of faith and family. Stephenia weaves the importance of both into all of her novels in some way and this one is no different. Above all, the characters’ faith and love of family guided them in all decisions, big and small. This story is a great example of that and why I enjoy her books so much.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All views are my honest opinion.

Profile Image for Gina Holder.
Author 14 books454 followers
October 11, 2023
If you’re a fan of Anne of Green Gables or of Pepper Basham’s Mistletoe Countess, you’re going to love Stephenia H. McGee’s Anola Flynn! Full of quirky characters and baffling adventures, I loved this romantic mystery on the mighty Mississippi. Anola's eccentric family turns out to be just what Emmett needs, even though he doesn't know it yet! This book will take you on a wild ride with river pirates, strange occurrences, hard decisions, betrayal, and falling in love—not just the characters, because you are going to fall in love with the Flynn family. Their faith in God and love for each other carry them through the toughest of storms. I loved this book and I highly recommend it. The River Queen is acceptable for all readers through teen to adult. There are mentions of alcohol consumption, pubs, illegal drugs, drug consumption, and gambling, but it is never glorified or explored in detail. Anola is innocent about romance and the ways of the wicked, which makes her even more endearing along with her spunky personality and trust in people to do the right thing.
79 reviews6 followers
October 7, 2023
The River Queen takes us on a thrilling adventure on the Mississippi River. Emmett Carter has been robbed and almost killed. Looking for a sheriff to report this thievery, he boards the River Queen assuming a sheriff would be there for the show. Anola Flynn, the star of the show, is trying to keep it going. Emmett agrees to help the Flynns while he is staying on The River Queen and Anola and Emmett quickly form a friendship.

Anola Flynn is a very unique character. I loved her style and her personality. She is such a lively and beautiful character! She is a sweet, forgiving, and carefree young woman and fits the perfect description of the star of The River Queen. Emmett Carter is a smart, intelligent young man who was just robbed of his inheritance. Emmett grows so much in this story, and I loved the ending! The River Queen is a wonderful book, and I certainly recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Profile Image for Danielle.
Author 28 books616 followers
September 28, 2023
The River Queen by Stephenia H. McGee is the first book in her River Romances historical romance series.

This is a fun read! Anola is an amazing character who comes to live within the pages of of this story. Her opposite in so many ways, Emmett has a mystery to solve and, of course, Anola is right there to help.

I loved the showboat details, the 1920s history, the sweet romance. I especially loved how Anola pushed Emmett right out of his comfort zone. For all of us quiet, reserved introverts, we need a friend like her!

If you’re looking for a sweet romance to take you back in time, then pick up a copy of The River Queen. I loved it!

---
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,095 reviews51 followers
September 29, 2023
It just wasn’t Emmett Carter’s day. How did an accountant find himself being thrown overboard and his riverboat stolen? How would he ever tell his brother who is part owner what happened? As Emmett escapes the dangerous water, he finds himself aboard another vessel, The River Queen. Here he meets the unusual and captivating, Anola Flynn living on it and performing along with her family.

Mystery, deceit, murder, nefarious gang activity, and love are all a part of the story that Stephen McGee has written to make an interesting story. Anola’s family are a great addition and are quite resourceful and wise in routing the bad guys and trusting Emmett even when it seems he’s guilty. Readers of all ages will enjoy the escapades on the Mississippi.


I received a complimentary copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,418 reviews120 followers
September 28, 2023
The River Queen is the first book in the River Romances series.
The author has written books on several subjects and does it so well. This is such an exciting one!
You won't find a slow or mundane read here! This is a fun and energetic read filled with river pirates, gangsters and smugglers. A rather unique story of life on a riverboat, I found myself fascinated with the glitz and glamour of life on the flashy showboat.
If you're looking for action, how about a chase down the Mighty Mississippi? Filled with intriguing situations, mystery, excitement and of course romance.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Cindy Harris.
89 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2023
What a ride!

Wow! I’ve been looking forward to this series for a while now, and I am NOT disappointed! McGee has done it again with The River Queen, Book 1 of the River Romances series.

Who would think it? Pirates on the Mighty Mississippi River in 1923? Why not? Mystery and intrigue, romance and action. It’s all here in this book.

While the characters are eclectic in a mix of personalities, they are also realistic and believable. From gypsies in the form of actors on a showboat, to an accountant, they all take on their own persona to blend this group of people to one cohesive unit. What a delightful story, and I am anxious for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Julie.
1,085 reviews75 followers
June 20, 2025
First, let's talk about this beautiful cover!! I love Anola's dress in this picture!!

Anola is doing everything she can to keep the family business afloat....literally. The Mississippi Riverboat show has been dwindling in attendance but Anola is determined to keep it going one way or another.

Emmett is rescued by the The River Queen after pirates attacked him and took over his ship. He is enamored with Anola and her singing voice. He's concerned about her losing her family business and vows to help her save it.

A great read (or listen to in this case)! I am a lover of historical fiction and I felt as though I was on the river with these characters.
Profile Image for Vicky Sluiter.
Author 1 book88 followers
October 14, 2023
Author Stephenia McGee takes us down the river and it’s a wild ride. Think pirates. Beautiful singers. And dashing heroes. This book has it all and McGee definitely did her research of the 20s.

I really enjoyed the personalities in this story. Quirky, daring, bossy, so many things made it a fun read. Throw in a faith journey, clean romance, twists and turns and there really is something for everyone. I highly recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.


Profile Image for Una.
250 reviews24 followers
October 15, 2023
The River Queen made me wish that I could travel on a showboat. I could see myself traveling down the river and watching the shore go by. I loved the suspense, romance and the mystery McGee wrote in the story. The characters came alive and I could picture in my mind how they figured things out. I liked that the characters showed they had faith in God to lead them.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
216 reviews8 followers
October 18, 2023
All aboard the River Queen! This is a fun and quirky adventure and I enjoyed everything about it. I especially liked the variety of characters that really make the story unique, especially Anola, the fun, adventurous and kind of naive showboat girl with her ability to always look on the bright side and of course, poor Emmett, the account who finds himself attacked by pirates and thrown overboard his own ship! Overall, the book has it all, mystery, romance, pirates and a dash of danger/suspense!

I was given this book in exchange for my honest review - all opinions are my own
Profile Image for Diana Lea.
44 reviews8 followers
August 14, 2025
Inspirational and witty read. Stephenie H McGee weaves scripture into the dialogue of the characters in such a believable way. I was so inspired by them that I found myself pausing to send up a prayer for the family and friends in my life.
LOVE the theatre family that runs the riverboat and their faith filled Irish roots.
The mysteries around prohibition, smuggling and the mob fit the era so well.
Romance between Emmett and Anola - the stuff dreams are made of!

I listened to the audio version - great Irish brogue spoken by Bryan Austin.

Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.